Elwell-Parker is a historic American manufacturer specializing in heavy-duty, custom-engineered electric and internal combustion lift trucks. Founded in Cleveland in 1893, the company introduced the world to electric material handling and developed one of the first powered forklifts. Today, the Elwell-Parker brand is owned and operated by H&K Equipment Group, which acquired it in 2010 and serves as the exclusive OEM for all Elwell-Parker parts, service, and new manufacturing.
Product Lineup – Heavy-Duty Focus
Elwell-Parker forklifts are engineered for the most demanding industrial environments, including steel mills, ports, rail yards, and heavy manufacturing. The company specializes in compact, cushion-tire lift trucks with capacities ranging from 7.5 tons to 50 tons (15,000 to 100,000 lbs). They are designed to handle large, awkward, or otherwise hard-to-handle "problem" loads.
Key Series:
Series Power Capacity Range Key Features
ESE Electric Forklifts Electric (72V) 15,000 – 45,000 lbs Mid-capacity all-around electric forklift; 24" or 30" load center; planetary drive axle; Class-H insulation; ergonomic design
ESI Series Diesel / LPG / Electric 18,000 – 50,000 lbs Cushion tire, 4-wheel sit-down; heavy-duty planetary transmission; side shift and fork positioning
R Series Electric (72V) 25,000 lbs Heavy-duty electric; dual 36V battery system; indoor warehouse applications
Platform Trucks Electric Custom Designed for moving large, awkward loads; more flexible than railcar or crane systems
Current Ownership and Support
H&K Equipment Group is the sole owner and OEM of the Elwell-Parker brand. Headquartered in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, H&K Equipment has been the leading Elwell-Parker dealer since 1935 (through its predecessor Pennell Engineering) and is the only facility in the world with the capability to manufacture, fabricate, or service any Elwell-Parker equipment from any era.
H&K Equipment Contact:
Location: Coraopolis, PA (near Pittsburgh)
Phone: 800-272-9953
Services: New and used sales, rentals, parts, preventive maintenance, repairs, upgrades, and custom-engineered trucks
Used Market – Where to Find Elwell-Parker Forklifts
Since Elwell-Parker machines are no longer mass-produced as a standalone brand, they are primarily available through the used equipment market. Common sources include:
Source Examples Found
Machinio 2005 ESI500-36 (50,000 lb diesel)
Eliftruck ESI200 (LP gas cushion tire)
CNC Exchange 1980 R12T25 (25,000 lb electric)
Bidspotter ESI300 (30,000 lb), GT65T35FP (40,000 lb with riggers boom)
BuyFleetNow 2005 ESI500-36 (36,000 lb electric)
Summary
Elwell-Parker is a historic American brand specializing in heavy-duty, custom-engineered forklifts with capacities from 15,000 to 100,000 lbs. The brand is now owned and operated exclusively by H&K Equipment Group in Coraopolis, PA, which serves as the sole OEM for parts, service, and new manufacturing. Key series include the ESE electric forklifts (15,000–45,000 lbs), ESI diesel/electric models (18,000–50,000 lbs), and R Series electric models (25,000 lbs). Used units are widely available through equipment marketplaces including Machinio, Eliftruck, CNC Exchange, and Bidspotter. For new equipment, parts, or service, contact H&K Equipment directly at 800-272-9953.